Tommy Fleetwood’s comments about Brooks Koepka after LIV Golf switch speak volumes

Tommy Fleetwood demonstrated his class and sportsmanship when discussing Brooks Koepka’s controversial switch to LIV Golf in 2023. Despite Koepka’s departure from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf, a move that stirred considerable debate, Fleetwood chose to focus on his admiration for Koepka’s talent and success, rather than the controversy surrounding his decision.

The two golfers recently competed together at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, an event where top professionals participate in both individual competition and a pro-am team format alongside celebrities and family members. This event took place just as Fleetwood was looking to improve on a challenging incident from the previous year when he accidentally injured a spectator with a wayward shot. As for Koepka, the former world No.1 aimed to add a victory in the individual competition at St. Andrews, having finished second in the team format a decade earlier.

Koepka’s decision to join LIV Golf in June 2022 sent shockwaves through the golf world. He had previously criticized players leaving the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed series, calling them “sellouts.” However, despite the controversy, Fleetwood didn’t hold a grudge. In fact, ahead of the 2022 US Open, Fleetwood spoke highly of Koepka and his abilities, emphasizing his respect for the five-time major winner’s approach to the game.

“Brooks is an unbelievable example,” Fleetwood remarked. “People should study how he plays and speaks because he’s the best major champion of our generation so far. His stats in the majors are incredible. You can’t always control your performance, but you can control your mindset. Going onto the course with the right mental attitude gives you the best chance of success. Listening to someone like him and emulating that mentality can be a real asset to anyone’s game.”

Koepka’s decision to join LIV Golf was reportedly lucrative, with sources stating that he received an initial £99 million ($130 million) fee. In addition, Koepka raked in £54 million ($71 million) in prize money over the past year, including a groundbreaking victory at the PGA Championship, making him the first LIV player to win a major. This year, Koepka continued his winning streak, capturing titles at LIV Golf events in Singapore and Greenbriar, bringing his total earnings to £8.84 million ($11 million) for the season.

Fleetwood, while not as financially rewarded as Koepka, has had a successful career on the PGA and European Tours, amassing close to £19 million ($25 million) in earnings. A two-time Ryder Cup winner, Fleetwood has secured seven titles on the European Tour, with his most recent victory coming at the 2023 Dubai Invitational. His closest brush with major success came at the 2018 US Open, where he tied the course record with a final round of 63 but narrowly lost to Koepka by one stroke. That experience, rather than breeding animosity, only deepened Fleetwood’s respect for Koepka’s skill and mindset.

As they teed off together at St. Andrews for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Fleetwood and Koepka seemed set for another round of friendly competition. Despite the differences in their paths and the rivalry on the course, Fleetwood’s admiration for Koepka’s talent remained evident, highlighting his own sportsmanship and respect for the game.